Greece scores first-ever Rugby League World Cup try as they go down to France 34-12 (see video)

Greece scored their first-ever  try in the 80th minute as they go down valiantly to France 34-12 in Doncaster on Tuesday.

“A brilliant game under the lights at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster. Both France and Greece put on a show, but it was France that came away with the win” read the official tweet from Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers.

The World Cup debutants struggled to move out of their own half in the early going, and when Lachlan Ilias’ attempt at a 40-20 kick missed, France prop Jordan Dezaria had the chance to take advantage and score the game’s first points in the eighth minute.

A reckless tackle on the line allowed France playmaker Arthur Mourgue the chance to increase the lead to 8-0 with a penalty goal as Greece struggled to maintain its early lead.

When Mourgue delivered a wonderful grubber for Toulouse half Tony Gigot to run through and score in the 29th minute, France increased their lead.

A Mitchell Zampetides’ late attempt gave France position, and Benjamin Jullien took advantage of it by scoring his fourth try while wearing the colours of France, making Greece’s lack of discipline costly.

When Mourgue crossed the line and added a conversion of his own try early in the second half, France increased its lead to 26-0 with 32 minutes remaining.

But the moment that changed international rugby league history came in the 55th minute.

For his nation’s first World Cup points, Greece’s halfback Jordan Meads produced a brilliantly weighted grubber to the corner, finding winger Siteni Taukami.

When Julien crossed the goal line for his team’s fifth try of the evening, France quickly ended Greece’s celebrations and once again displayed their class.

Nick Mougious scored a runaway try in the 79th minute to bring Greece’s fightback to an end and cut the margin to 34-12, raising the cheers of the country’s supporters in Doncaster.

Greece faces Samoa the following day in Doncaster (3.00 am AEDT).